1Talk to mortgage brokers.

Many first-time home buyers don’t take the time to get prequalified. It’s important to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely. Reames Realty Group partners with great local lenders, which can make your home purchase much smoother compared to a national lender. When you’re ready, we would love to get you in touch with one of our approved lender partners to answer any questions that you may have about home loans.

2Be ready to move.

This is especially true in markets with a low inventory of homes for sale. It’s very common for home buyers to miss out on the first home they wish to purchase because they don’t act quickly enough. By the time they’ve made their decision, they may find that someone else has already purchased the house.

3Find a trusted partner.

It’s absolutely vital that you find a real estate professional who understands your goals. The agents at Reames Realty Group are all experienced, licensed REALTORS who are ready and able to guide you through the home buying process.

4Make a good offer.

Remember that your offer is very unlikely to be the only one on the table. Do what you can to ensure it’s appealing to a seller.

5Factor maintenance and repair costs into your buying budget.

Even brand-new homes will require some work. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

6Think ahead.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your present needs, but you should also think about reselling the home before you buy. The average first-time buyer expects to stay in a home for around 10 years, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

7Develop your home/neighborhood wish list.

Prioritize these items from most important to least.

8Select where you want to live.

Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account nearby schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

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Licensed in Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Reames Realty Group is a team of real estate professionals working within Keller Williams Elite Peninsula.